The Pro Tour Grand Finals started on January 11, and no Swedish player made it. Waldner has shown that he is slowing down, and this is the first time that he misses this top tournament. This reporter recently talked to national team player Jin Yinhua who had just completed a tour of duty in the Swedish profesional league. He told us frankly that Waldner is going downhill.
Last October Jin went to Sweden to play for one of the clubs. When his team faced the Waldner-led Kalmar club, Jin beat Waldner 21-10 and 21-17. He also beat North Korean player Kim Song Hui 2-1.According to Jin, Waldner frequently loses in Sweden. In the European Champion League match last month, Waldner had one-sided losses to Samsonov and Primorac. Waldner may have lost the most number of times among the great players of the world. When he is not really eager to win, he could lose to just about anyone. Chinese coach Xu Shaofa once said that if Waldner were to play in the Chinese Super League, he might lose more than half of his matches.
"Waldner physically has not adapted to the rhythm of the big ball. In general, Waldner's response speed and his ability to vary have both decreased. And since the big ball is not as spinny, Waldner's serves are much easier to return. In rallies, Waldner appears a little slow in initiating attacks. Maybe he still has not found the feel for thr bigger ball", Jin said.
But Jin still has a lot of admiration for Waldner. "In Sweden, Waldner is very well-known. Last year he was voted one of the top 10 athletes in Sweden, and he is the only player with a lifetime contract with Donic. He practices 4 or 5 times a week, and only about 90 minutes each practice. But he plays in competition every week to maintain his level. Even though Waldner does not train much, he thoroughly studies foreign players, especially the Chinese, and he had continued to improve his game and create miracles", Jin said.
Jin also mentioned some things he heard about Waldner. "He is humorous, and very friendly. He always signs autographs with a smile. Besides table-tennis, Waldner likes to gamble, but he is disciplined, just like in table-tennis. You may not believe that he still does not have a driver's license, even though he knows how to drive. The driving license test in Sweden is tough to pass. But Waldner really does not care. Now Waldner just plays the sport to enjoy the good feelings. He does not like to live with pressure. One German club offered him more money than what he is getting currently, but he refused the offer. I have heard that Waldner has said that he will retire from international competition after the 46th Worlds. Other than playing in the Swedish league, he does not plan to play for Sweden.
"Waldner has critized the Swedish TT Federation that there is no new blood. After he and Persson retire, Sweden will be in very poor shape. So Waldner still has his regrets", Jin said.
Click here for a photo of Kong in dismay after an error against Chiang.
Click here for a photo of Wang and Yan in a tight match against Koreans Lee and Ryu.
Click here for a photo of Wang Nan, with her new hairdo, and Li Ju in an easy doubles victory.
Click here for a photo of Liu and Kong in the match against Koreans Kim and Oh. Liu was not happy.
For coverage of the Grand Finals, in English, go to: http://www.ittfprotour.com/index.htm